WeRide and Pony AI Gain Stock Connect Access to Expand Mainland Investor Participation

WeRide Pony AI Stock Connect eligibility has officially commenced following the inclusion of both companies in the Stock Connect eligible list, enabling qualified mainland Chinese investors to trade their Hong Kong-listed shares directly. The adjustment took effect on June 4, approximately seven months after both autonomous driving companies debuted on the Hong Kong stock market. The move is expected to strengthen trading activity and improve liquidity as the companies gain access to a broader pool of investors through one of the most important capital market connectivity programs linking mainland China and Hong Kong.

Stock Connect Inclusion Opens Access to Mainland Investors

The latest adjustment announced by the Shanghai Stock Exchange allows mainland investors meeting the required participation criteria to buy and sell shares of WeRide and Pony AI through the Stock Connect mechanism. The program serves as a mutual market access framework connecting investors across mainland China and Hong Kong while maintaining strict requirements related to market capitalization, liquidity, and regulatory compliance.

For mainland investors, participation in the program requires securities account assets exceeding 500,000 yuan. The Stock Connect framework operates through separate Shanghai and Shenzhen channels, each functioning independently in actual trading. The addition of these two autonomous driving firms is expected to strengthen their engagement with the mainland capital market and increase visibility among domestic institutional and retail investors.

Key Details of the Stock Connect Expansion

Eligible investors will gain direct access to the Hong Kong-listed shares of both companies through the established trading mechanism. The inclusion is particularly significant because both companies maintain dual primary listings in the United States and Hong Kong.

Stock Connect Eligibility Overview

Global Expansion Plans Continue for Both Companies

China-based autonomous driving company WeRide, founded in 2017, completed its Nasdaq listing on October 25, 2024. The company has expanded autonomous driving operations across eight countries and more than 40 cities worldwide. Its global autonomous vehicle fleet currently consists of approximately 2,800 vehicles, including around 1,300 robotaxis.

WeRide has outlined ambitious growth objectives, targeting deployment of 2,600 robotaxis globally by the end of 2026. The company also intends to scale its operations substantially and reach a fleet numbering in the tens of thousands by 2030 as commercialization efforts continue to accelerate across international markets.

Pony AI, established in late 2016 and listed on Nasdaq on November 27, 2024, has also reported aggressive expansion targets. The company recently forecast that its robotaxi revenue in 2026 will exceed 3.5 times the level expected in 2025. It has additionally increased its fleet target for the end of 2026 from 3,000 vehicles to more than 3,500 vehicles globally.

Technology Platforms Supporting Large-Scale Growth

The expansion strategies of both companies are supported by proprietary autonomous driving technology platforms. WeRide's development efforts are centered on WeRide Genesis, its proprietary world model designed to connect generative AI capabilities with physical AI applications. The company has also secured nearly 30 vehicle model design wins for its integrated end-to-end ADAS solution from automakers including GAC and Chery.

Pony AI's technology strategy is built around its proprietary PonyWorld world model and Virtual Driver platform. These technologies support the company's robotaxi and robotruck operations and are intended to facilitate large-scale deployment across global markets. The company continues to focus on expanding commercial applications while improving autonomous driving performance and operational efficiency.

Broader Investor Base Could Support Future Growth

The addition of WeRide and Pony AI to the Stock Connect eligible list represents a significant milestone for both companies as they continue expanding autonomous mobility services. Increased participation from mainland investors is expected to enhance market liquidity, improve share accessibility, and broaden the overall investor base. As both firms pursue ambitious fleet deployment and revenue growth targets, stronger capital market connectivity may provide additional support for their long-term development strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stock Connect eligibility mean for WeRide and Pony AI?
Stock Connect eligibility allows qualified mainland Chinese investors to directly trade the Hong Kong-listed shares of WeRide and Pony AI through approved trading channels. This expands access to a larger investor pool and can improve stock liquidity. The inclusion also strengthens the connection between the companies and mainland capital markets, potentially increasing investor awareness, trading activity, and overall market participation as both firms continue expanding their autonomous driving businesses globally.

Why is the Stock Connect inclusion important for autonomous driving companies?
Stock Connect inclusion can significantly increase visibility and investment access for listed companies. For autonomous driving firms such as WeRide and Pony AI, broader investor participation may improve liquidity and support long-term growth objectives. As both companies invest heavily in robotaxi technology, fleet expansion, and commercialization efforts, access to a wider capital market audience can help reinforce confidence in their business strategies and future development plans.

What are the growth targets announced by WeRide and Pony AI?
WeRide plans to deploy 2,600 robotaxis globally by the end of 2026 and ultimately scale to tens of thousands of vehicles by 2030. Pony AI expects its 2026 robotaxi revenue to exceed 3.5 times its 2025 level and has increased its end-of-2026 fleet target to more than 3,500 vehicles. These targets reflect aggressive expansion plans supported by proprietary autonomous driving technologies and growing commercialization efforts across multiple global markets.